Client Alert

Virginia employers need to know about a significant change in hiring and recruiting practices as the Commonwealth’s new Pay Transparency Law (SB 215) takes effect on July 1, 2026. The law, codified as Virginia Code § 40.1-28.7:12, creates new requirements related to applicant pay history and compensation disclosures. Below is a link to the new law. View the new law here. Key Requirements for Virginia Employers Pay History Inquiries Are Prohibited Employers shall not seek the wage or salary history of a prospective employee or applicant. If you have language on your application seeking an applicant’s prior pay history, it […]

Throughout the first quarter of 2026, Gentry Locke’s Intellectual Property group has witnessed a rise in trademark-related scams and fraudulent solicitations. These notices often reference your trademark directly and will pose as an attorney, billing service, or even a government agency to appear legitimate and pressure recipients to make unnecessary payments or disclose sensitive information. Exercise caution when reviewing any trademark-related correspondence. Below, we have provided information and resources designed to help you identify trademark scams and avoid making payments or providing information to bad actors. How USPTO Correspondence Works When You Are Represented by Counsel USPTO communications go to […]

Effective March 1 of this year, the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) implemented a significant change to its loan eligibility requirements, barring green card holders and other non-U.S. citizens from applying for or receiving SBA loans. The new rule applies immediately to the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Beginning April 1, 2026, the policy will be extended to the Surety Bond and Microloan programs. Under recent, prior SBA guidance, a small business could still remain eligible for SBA financing if up to 5% of its ownership was held by a foreign national or lawful permanent resident. That policy has now […]

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division recently unveiled its Whistleblower Pilot Program, signaling a pivotal shift in the landscape of corporate enforcement and accountability. The program is slated to take effect “later this year.” Here’s why you should take notice: 1. A New Era of Incentives The DOJ recognizes that people and corporations respond to incentives. The carrot-and-stick approach, previously seen in the DOJ’s Voluntary Self-Disclosure Program for corporations, now extends to individual whistleblowers. In this spirit, the Whistleblower Pilot Program aims to reward individuals who come forward with significant corporate or financial misconduct that the government is not yet aware of. 2. Financial […]